I stood up slowly, the remains of tea and breakfast balancing on a tray in my hands as I made my way to the kitchen. When I turned to straighten a pillow on the chair behind me, I spotted my cat Wednesday asleep on the ottoman by the window. I watched as the early sunlight rose across her face, illuminating the delicate veins that ran through her ears. She’s so precious, I thought to myself as I turned to leave the room.

Walking down the hall, I felt a subtle collapse of my chest. My heart open...